From fun-filled ‘house parties’ and heartwarming original stories to astounding adaptations of Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, Bluey and more, Lowry’s upcoming programme of live family-friendly shows offers the perfect introduction to theatre for younger visitors of all ages and tastes.
Based on the original bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, the spellbinding musical adaptation of A Squash and a Squeeze promises a heartfelt and hilarious escapade featuring wondrous puppetry and uplifting songs.
Once upon a time, a little old lady lived alone in a quaint, cosy cottage – the problem was, it felt just too cosy for her liking. She courts the advice of a wise old man, who recommends bringing in a noisy cohort of disobedient, greedy farmyard animals, leaving her to wrangle her new housemates by herself in a side-splitting story of friendship and understanding.
Fresh from two wildly successful UK tours and sold-out concerts at the London Palladium, Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice’s madcap, macabre classic The Addams Family comes to Lowry this August with a live orchestra, all-ages musical comedy and a star-studded cast including Alexandra Burke (The X Factor, Sister Act, The Bodyguard) , Lesley Joseph (Birds of a Feather, Young Frankenstein, Sister Act), Clive Rowe (The Prince of Egypt, Sister Act, A Christmas Carol) and Ricardo Afonso (Jesus Christ Superstar, Thriller Live, We Will Rock You).
Set to music and lyrics by Tony-nominated writer Andrew Lippa, The Addams Family welcomes theatre-lovers from ages 7 to 307 to enjoy the ultimate spooky spectacular with an original twist.
Now all grown up, brooding princess of darkness Wednesday Addams has fallen in love with a sweet, modest young mortal man from a respectable family – a secret only her father Gomez knows. With his beloved Morticia none the wiser, Gomez must jump through every hoop to keep Wednesday’s romance under wraps until the families meet for a fateful dinner, with hilarious and unexpected consequences.
From Thu 28 to Sun 31 Aug, CBeebies turns the Quays Theatre into an all-out family-friendly bonanza packed with infectious songs, thrilling surprises and memorable moments, hosted by CBeebies icons Justin Fletcher, Duggee, Evie Pickerill, Rhys Stephenson and Mister Maker.
Book tickets below and treat your littlest revellers to an unmissable rave packed with dancing, singing, streamers, giant jellies and a CBeebies Bedtime Story with a difference.
Created by New York Times bestselling illustrator Bethan Woollvin, Three Little Vikings brings a bold, funny and thoroughly charming adventure to Lowry with a story guaranteed to delight every rebellious young spirit.
Long ago in a Viking village, everything is going awry – from vanishing chickens to tumbling trees. When the ignorant Chieftain waves away the complaints of three perceptive little Viking girls, they resolve to work together to find the problem and save the day themselves.
Billed as a joyful tale of star-crossed aliens, the Olivier-nominated adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved book transports audiences on a magical space odyssey this October.
Hailed as ‘a tour-de-force family show’ in One4Review’s glittering five-star appraisal, the enchanting production lands on a distant planet where Smeds and Smoos are constantly at odds with one another. When a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and fly off into deep space, their families have to try everything they can to get them back safely.
Suitable for ages 3 and up.
CBeebies superstar Justin Fletcher rocks the Lowry with a one-off interactive gig for the ages on Sun 9 Nov, featuring dancing, comedy and an array of smash-hit tunes.
Famous for his BAFTA-winning appearances in Justin’s House, Gigglebiz, Gigglequiz and more, Justin and his friends return to Salford with a brand new theatre show in which they need your help to choose the best songs to perform as a freshly formed rock band.
On Sat 15 Nov, Opera North returns to Lowry with a family-friendly musical mystery ideal for children aged 5-12, featuring live music from the Orchestra of Opera North.
An expert thief is on the run, and detectives need every ounce of help to catch them. Eagle-eyed little ones are encouraged to don their thinking caps, break out the magnifying glasses and use all their crime-solving skills in a case where the suspects are some of the greatest opera characters in history.
Based on Roald Dahl’s ravenous reptilian caper, The Enormous Crocodile arrives at Lowry from the dense green jungle on the hunt for delicious human delicacies, in a mischievous musical featuring toe-tapping tunes, original lyrics and an assortment of vibrant puppets.
★★★★★ ‘A perfect family outing’ London Theatre Reviews
Snap up your tickets below.
This December, the smash-hit West End production of the C.S. Lewis classic brings the journey of a lifetime to Lowry for an unmissable festive run.
Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter on their wintry odyssey through the magical kingdom of Narnia as they unite with Aslan and battle against the Ice Queen in a timeless tale of courage, sacrifice and love that promises ‘a fantastical family treat’ (Telegraph).
Brimming with music, adventure and exciting surprises, Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show brings a brand new adventure to the Lowry stage as part of a UK tour next February.
With a new arrival on the way, Peppa’s family are busy making preparations for the new addition – but the task is bigger than they anticipated. In order to complete the ‘oinktastic’ makeover in time for the big day, they need all the help they can get from the audience.
Arriving at The Lowry with a dose of family-friendly magic this summer, the Olivier-nominated smash-hit production Bluey’s Big Play brings the beloved blue heeler to life with an original story told through delightful puppetry, iconic sets from the BAFTA-winning TV show and a voice cast featuring the original, unmistakable voices from the TV show including Dave McCormack (Bandit) and Melanie Zanetti (Chilli).
Back by popular demand for a ten-day run in Salford having already entertained over a million fans around the world, Bluey’s Big Play invites families to experience a magical adaptation of the world-famous CBeebies series, as Bluey and Bingo pull out all their mischievous tricks and fun-filled games to get Dad off his bean bag in a fabulously entertaining Heeler family caper.
This summer, Lowry stages an array of captivating exhibitions.
The vibrant and absorbing family exhibition, Quentin Blake and Me, brings the illustrator’s beloved characters to life in an array of interactive games, the chance to write and draw your own stories and an expansive collection of Blake’s authentic works.
LOWRY 360 offers the chance to experience the sights and sounds of LS Lowry’s iconic work, Going to the Match.
Created in collaboration with Barcelona’s renowned Immersive studio, Layers of Reality, LOWRY 360 is the first free permanent immersive experience inspired by the world-famous work.
From nearby factory whistles to the giddy anticipation of an expectant crowd, visitors are surrounded invited into a creative exploration, in super-high resolution, of a painting that celebrates the excitement and shared ritual of heading to a football match on a Saturday afternoon.
Entry to each is free, but you’ll need to book a ticket. Some walk-up tickets are available but booking in advance is strongly advised. Donations are welcome.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ, Tel: 0161 876 2000
thelowry.com
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Tue 22 Jul 2025
This month, Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and friends are back in an action-packed live staging of In the Night Garden.
Lasting just under an hour, the absorbing theatre show renders the much-loved children’s characters in mesmerising detail as full-sized puppets and vibrant costumes, as Igglepiggle enlists the audience’s help in finding his friends by following their distinctive sounds.